Hands Already Full

Monday, 24 October 2005

Much has changed over the past few years for my family. From the outside looking in, it would appear that we've been under a curse.

However, I have known the "peace that transcends understanding." Does that sound glib, or cliché? It did to me when I had the world at my feet. And I confess I still have days when 'peace' seems far beyond my reach.

I first heard this poem a few years back and had a bit of trouble finding the author's name. I hope I've got it right:

Hands Already Full

One by one He took them from me,The things I valued most,Until I was empty-handed; Every glittering toy was lost.

And I walked Earth's highways grieving,In my rags and poverty,'Til I heard His voice inviting,"Lift your empty hands to me!"

So I held my hands toward Heaven,And He filled them with a store,Of His own transcendent riches,'Til they could contain no more.

Then at last I comprehended,With my stupid mind, and dull,God cannot pour His blessings,Into hands already full.

- Martha Snell Nicholson

I used to think that God kept Adam and Eve away from the "Tree of Life" as part of their punishment. Not so; it has since been brought to my attention that, had he allowed them to secure everlasting life in their disobedience, they would have secured our status of separation from Him, as well. It was out of His love for us and His desire to spend eternity with us that they were not allowed back into the Garden.

I've been thinking a lot, too, about Cain and Abel and my own heart condition. Do I choose the heart of Cain, who in bitterness and self-pity refused to honor God? Or will I be like Abel, who continued to give God his best in faith and trust even when the blessings seemed so far away?

Only with the strength of God working for me am I able choose the latter. So, I call on Him through Jesus Christ, the One who gave his life so that I could have a choice.